The Golden Fleece (York)

Renowned as one of the most haunted pubs in York and cashing in heavily on this fact The Golden Fleece manages to avoid too much kitsch ghost paraphernalia with just their resident skeleton Saul popping up in various locations.

Established in 1503 its extensive history as a public house makes it also one of the oldest in York, retaining many features from throughout the ages. The front of the building hints at the narrowness of the pub but hardly gives away how far the building actually goes back, it’s a lot bigger than you’d think.

There is a small room and bar at the front then you tilt yourself and traverse the old rickety floor downhill to the next bar, because The Golden Fleece is built on wooden foundations the floor has sagged and moved over the centuries, which although not brilliant for access it does add some spooky fun-house style charm. Down at the bottom of the pub there’s a bigger bar area with a rather limited range of four standard casks beers, if they're all on that is. We only had a choice of two when we visited. Also expect to pay a premium for your beer here, the tourist appeal really cashes in.

Beyond this room is access out to a large decked courtyard, which with its covered pergola sections and ample seating is a lovely secluded gem of outside space.

With full suits of armour, death masks on the wall and many other traditional pub trinkets throughout you really feel enveloped in its historic ambience. Combine all this and The Golden Fleece is still a pretty decent pub, especially for the beer garden, even if the choices of beers are a little generic and it can be hard finding a free table. On an evening it feels a little less touristy with their regular live music bringing a more friendly local pub atmosphere.